Department for Transport

Transport: Coronavirus

lord berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what actionthey are taking to advise potential recipients of state aid in the transport sector of recipients' obligations to ensure (1) compliance with (a) EU, and (b) UK, legislation on state aid; (2) compliance (a) within a transport mode, and (b) between modes; and (3) repayment ofany aid found to be in contravention of those rules.

baroness vere of norbiton: The Department has designed any support for the transport sector to be compliant with all relevant legislation and international obligations, which place requirements on authorities rather than recipients. Relevant obligations will be imposed on recipients as condition of support where necessary. Officials also work closely with recipients of aid to make them aware of their contractual responsibilities, which are designed to ensure that the UK is compliant with its obligations.

High Speed 2 Railway Line: Coronavirus

lord berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government which projects HS2 are continuing construction work on during the COVID-19 pandemic; and what assessment they have made of the impact of suchcontinuationon theconstruction workers on those sites.

baroness vere of norbiton: The Government’s current policy is that construction activity should continue where it can be undertaken in accordance with the Public Health England guidance and industry best practice. The Department has asked HS2 Ltd to work closely with their construction partners to ensure compliance with these guidelines in order to protect their workforce and local communities. Sites will not operate where this cannot be achieved. Around 25 sites are now closed where the guidance cannot be met. Work at the remaining sites is either paused, whilst contractors review whether operations can continue, or is proceeding where sites can continue to operate in accordance with the guidance.

High Speed 2 Railway Line: Finance

lord berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to Conclusion 21 of the Oakervee Review of HS2, published on 11 February, whether a revised funding envelope has been set for Phase 1 of HS2 before issuing the Notice to Proceed; whether that envelope adheres to the Conclusion’s recommendation that it should have “appropriate levels of contingency, to be held by the Department for Transport and the Treasury, and which is realistic”; and if not, when the revised funding envelope will be set.

baroness vere of norbiton: A revised funding envelope has been set for HS2 Phase 1 in line with the Prime Minister’s statement in February and as set out in the Full Business Case that has been recently published alongside the Notice to Proceed decision. This includes provision for schedule and cost contingency.

High Speed 2 Railway Line: Euston Station

lord berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 9 March (HL 1714 and 1715) and 11 March (HL1912) on the HS2 plans for Euston, whether any work on the proposed HS2 tunnels between Old Oak Common and Euston will be commenced before a complete review of the Euston proposals, including the tunnelling plans in the Euston area, has been undertaken and the findings published.

baroness vere of norbiton: In relation to the proposed HS2 tunnels between Old Oak Common (OOC) and Euston, in order to avoid further delays to implementation of the HS2 project, HS2 Ltd and its contractors will continue with the current programme of works, where such works will be required regardless of design changes that may arise in response to the outcomes of the Oakervee Review. The Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) that will tunnel most of the OOC to Euston tunnels, will start from OOC, where space and facilities are available to build the TBM launch site and manage efficiently the disposal of materials excavated from construction of the tunnels. Tunnel construction work will commence shortly, including building the subsurface TBM launch pits and commissioning the TBMs, which will then tunnel to Euston. These works will take a number of years to complete, which will allow time to complete the review of the HS2 scheme at Euston recommended in the Oakervee Review.

Driving: Licensing

earl attlee: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to relax the requirement for eyesight and medical testing of those applying to renew heavy goods vehicle and public service vehicle licences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

baroness vere of norbiton: To keep bus and lorry drivers on the road, the Government has made temporary provisions to remove the requirement to submit a medical report, which includes questions about eyesight, when applying to renew a bus or lorry driving licence, until further notice. Provided they have no notifiable medical conditions, drivers will be issued a licence that is valid for one year instead of the usual five. This only applies if the licence expired after 1 January 2020 or is due to expire.As is always the case, drivers must ensure they are medically fit to drive and they are legally obliged to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency of the onset or worsening of any medical condition.

Large Goods Vehicle Drivers: Coronavirus

earl attlee: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the availability of heavy goods vehicle drivers.

baroness vere of norbiton: The Department for Transport is in regular contact with representatives of the road haulage industry to understand the issues the industry is experiencing as a result of COVID-19. Estimates suggest that there is not currently a lack of HGV driver availability. The Government has taken action to allow drivers whose Driver CPC expires between 1 March and 30 September 2020 to either take the training remotely or complete it after 30 September 2020. In addition, drivers whose licences have expired since 1 January 2020 or will expire in 2020 will be able to receive a temporary 1-year licence, providing they do not have any medical conditions that affect their driving.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Distributive Trade: Coronavirus

baroness smith of basildon: To ask Her Majesty's Government, for the purposes of COVID-19 measures, what discussions they have had with (1) employers, (2) employee representatives, and (3) trade unions, about staff working in the retail and distribution sectors.

lord callanan: Ministers and officials have regular engagement with a large number of businesses, representative organisations and trade unions across all sectors including retail and distribution. Ministers have hosted a regular series of calls in recent weeks, where they have had the chance to speak to and hear directly from a wide range of organisations and businesses specifically for the purposes of COVID-19.

Offshore Industry: Coronavirus

lord bruce of bennachie: To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking, or plan to take, to support the UK offshore oil and gas industry and its supply chain through (1) the changes in the global oil market, and (2) the COVID-19 pandemic. [T]

lord callanan: My Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced a host of measures to help business in this period with £330bn worth of government backed and guaranteed loans to support businesses across the UK. These support measures remain under review and have been adapted based on feedback from industry to ensure they continue to meet the needs of all sectors of the economy. Over the past month, Ministers and officials have been proactively engaging with the oil and gas sector and its supply chain by holding virtual meetings with representatives, individual businesses, trade associations, their members and the regulators to ensure that the sector can benefit from the far-reaching package of interventions that the government has put in place to help businesses through the current situation. Officials in the Department are working closely with the Oil and Gas Authority, to monitor and mitigate the impacts of low oil prices and Covid-19 on the sector and track any financial and operational risks, particularly any that could impact on health, safety, the environment or security of supply.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Libya: Terrorism

lord empey: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Interior Minister of the government of Libya about (1) frozen Libyan assets, and (2) the provision of compensation to victims of IRA bombings that used Semtex and other material support supplied by the Gaddafi regime.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The UK is committed to supporting the victims of Libyan-sponsored IRA terrorism and wishes to see a just settlement for all victims. In March 2019 the former Foreign Secretary appointed William Shawcross as the UK's Special Representative on UK victims of Qadhafi-sponsored IRA terrorism. We have also raised the issue of a just settlement with the Libyan authorities. The Government has a longstanding position of not pursuing government-to-government negotiations with Libya on behalf of victims of Qadhafi-sponsored IRA terrorism, though we continue to provide support to the victims, their representatives and campaign groups, and we continue to press the Libyan authorities to engage constructively on this issue. Libyan assets in the UK were frozen under UN Security Council Resolution 1973 at the instigation of the Libyan authorities in 2011. These assets can only be unfrozen by gaining the agreement of all members of the UN Security Council.

Iran: Prisoners

baroness northover: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Iran to seek the permanent release of (1) Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe, and (2) other dual nationals, who have been imprisoned that country.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We are relieved that Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was temporarily released on March 17. While her further extension is a welcome step, we continue to urge the Iranian Government to immediately release her - and all UK dual nationals arbitrarily detained in Iran - to enable them to return to their families in the UK. The Foreign Secretary raised this with Foreign Minister Zarif on 16 March and Minister of State for the Middle East with the Iranian Ambassador on 26 March. Our Ambassador in Tehran consistently raises all of our dual national detainees with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Pakistan: Homicide

lord birt: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Pakistan following the Legatum Institute identifying eight journalistsas being murdered in Pakistan between October 2018 and October 2019.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We are deeply concerned by the reported murders of journalists in Pakistan. The UK is committed to the protection of journalists and promotion of media freedom. We regularly raise our concerns about the human rights situation, including on the freedom of expression, with the Government of Pakistan at a senior level and continue to monitor the situation actively. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Qureshi attended the UK's Global Media Freedom Conference in London in July 2019.In support of our commitment to media freedom and the protection of journalists, the UK and other partners funded the Asma Jehangir Conference held in Lahore in October 2019. This was a two day conference, which provided space for civic discourse and included sessions on media freedom.

USA: Open Skies Treaty

lord browne of ladyton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent assessment they have made of the strategic importance of the Open Skies Treaty; and what discussions they have had with the government of the United States about their reported intention to leave that treaty.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The UK continues to support the Open Skies Treaty, which helps to build understanding and confidence between countries through military transparency. The Secretary of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs and the Secretary of State for Defence, as well as other Ministers and senior officials from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence, have raised this on a regular basis with their US counterparts, emphasising the UK's commitment to the Treaty.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe

the marquess of lothian: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Iran to secure the permanent release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, following the extension of her temporary release to 20 May.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We are relieved that Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was temporarily released on March 17. While her further extension is a welcome step, we continue to urge the Iranian Government to immediately release her - and all UK dual nationals arbitrarily detained in Iran - to enable them to return to their families in the UK. The Foreign Secretary raised this with Foreign Minister Zarif on 16 March and Minister of State for the Middle East with the Iranian Ambassador on 26 March. Our Ambassador in Tehran consistently raises all of our dual national detainees with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Libya: Turkey

the marquess of lothian: To ask Her Majesty's Government what further information they can provide on reports that Turkey flew F16 fighter jets over the Libyan coast in April; and what assessment they have made of the impact of any such intervention by Turkey in Libya’s civil war.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We are aware of recent reports of Turkish fighter jets flying over the Libyan coast. We remain concerned by Turkish military involvement in Libya, which risks further aggravating the conflict. We have expressed these concerns to the Turkish Government, as we have done to other external actors whose activity continues to fuel the conflict. We continue to call on sides to de-escalate, support a ceasefire and a return to UN-led political talks. The UK is clear that lasting peace and stability in Libya will come only through an inclusive political settlement.

Saudi Arabia: Capital Punishment

the marquess of lothian: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of figures from Amnesty Internationalwhich indicate that Saudi Arabia executed 184 people in 2019; and what representations they have made to the government of Saudi Arabia about the increased use of the death penalty in that country.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We regularly make clear, using a range of Ministerial and diplomatic channels, that the British Government opposes the death penalty in all circumstances and in every country, as a matter of principle. We note Amnesty International's report highlighting an increased number of executions in Saudi Arabia in 2019. As a Human Rights Priority Country, Saudi Arabia will be reviewed in the Annual Foreign and Commonwealth Office 2019 Human Rights and Democracy Report (to be published during 2020).The former Minister for the Middle East and North Africa raised our concerns about the death penalty with Deputy Justice Minister HE Abdullah Al Sulaimi on 11 February. The Foreign Secretary also raised our human rights concerns with Saudi Arabia during his visit in March this year. We will continue to raise our concerns with the Government of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia: Capital Punishment

lord pendry: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Saudi Arabia about the enforcement of the death penalty in that country; what assessment they made of that county’s human rights record; and in view of that assessment, what evaluation they have made of the potential takeover of Newcastle Football Club by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We regularly make clear, using a range of Ministerial and diplomatic channels, that the British Government opposes the death penalty in all circumstances and in every country. The former Minister for the Middle East and North Africa raised our concerns about the death penalty with Deputy Justice Minister HE Abdullah Al Sulaimi on 11 February.Our most recent assessment of Saudi Arabia's human rights record was published in our latest Human Rights and Democracy Report, published in June 2019. Saudi Arabia remains a Foreign and Commonwealth Office human rights priority country, particularly because of the use of the death penalty and restrictions on women's rights, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of religion or belief. The Foreign Secretary raised our human rights concerns with Saudi Arabia during his visit in March.We are aware of a potential takeover bid for Newcastle United Football Club involving Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. The bid is being considered by the Premier League in accordance with its own established procedures.

Cabinet Office

EU Law

baroness hayter of kentish town: To ask Her Majesty's Government when they will publish their next report on progress towards removing retained EU law restrictions, as required by Schedule 3 of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.

lord true: The sixth European Union (Withdrawal) Act and Common Frameworks statutory report was published on 19 March 2020, covering the reporting period of 26 September 2019 to 25 December 2019. The seventh report, detailing work that has taken place between 26 December 2019 to 25 March 2020, will be published in the coming months.

Department for International Development

Syria: Overseas Aid

baroness hodgson of abinger: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that UK aid donated bilaterally and through the UN is reaching Rojava in north east Syria.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: UK aid continues to reach communities in North East Syria. DFID support is distributed via a number of UN agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations, and targets those in acute need across the North East. It balances provision of vital, life-saving supplies such as food, water, shelter and healthcare, with helping communities recover from life under Daesh occupation, for example, by providing grants to small businesses. DFID has rigorous and robust checks to monitor partners’ activity and ensure aid goes to those in acute need across the North East.Between April and September 2019, DFID support to Al-Hasakeh, Al-Raqqa and Deir Ez-Zor governorates and provided: over 325,000 medical consultations, over 5,000 food rations; clean drinking water to over 41,000 people, access to education to over 30,000 pupils, and has helped over 5,000 people with business development.

Iran: Coronavirus

lord campbell of pittenweem: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assistance they have provided to support the government of Iran to mitigate the effect of COVID-19 upon its citizens.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The E3 (the UK, France and Germany) have provided a EUR 5 million package of financial and material assistance to Iran via the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UN bodies to help with the response.

Syria: Coronavirus

the lord bishop of coventry: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to help minimise the risk posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to those currently living in refugee camps in Syria.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The UK recognises that individuals in refugee camps are more vulnerable to COVID-19. In Syria the UK is one of the leading donors supporting international efforts to deliver vital healthcare, water, sanitation and hygiene activities; all of which help to mitigate the threat posed by COVID-19.DFID’s current support in Syria includes training for health workers; educational material to raise awareness on health and sanitation; provision of infection, prevention, and control supplies; and cash assistance for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). The UK is monitoring the situation closely and working with humanitarian partners inside Syria to respond to the outbreak and to sustain life-saving services.DFID has pledged £200 million of humanitarian aid to support the UK’s global efforts to combat the outbreak, this includes support for IDPs and those in refugee camps. £65 million of this contribution is for the World Health Organisation to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Our most recent funding also includes new support to the UN’s refugee agency (UNHCR) and to UNICEF to help install new hand-washing stations and isolation and treatment centres in refugee camps, as well as provide protection services and education opportunities for forcibly displaced children.

Syria: Coronavirus

the marquess of lothian: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the humanitarian situation in Idlib province during the COVID-19 pandemic, and (2) the risks of that situation worsening due to the further spread of the virus in Syria.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: There are immense humanitarian needs in North West Syria, including Idlib province; these are further increased by COVID-19. Of almost 1 million people displaced in North West Syria since 1 December 2019, some 135,000 people have returned to their areas of origin or previous displacement. The most urgent needs continue to be shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene, food, and protection.To date, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in North West Syria. We assess that secondary effects of the pandemic will intensify needs and hinder response efforts. The UN’s response plan in the North West is now estimated at $162 million, with efforts focusing on preparedness and planning to minimise the potential impact of the virus on communities in addition to the existing crisis response. The World Health Organisation has warned of an impending ‘explosion’ of cases in Syria and we expect a significant outbreak that will be difficult for the health system to manage after years of conflict. Some of the highest risks are in IDP camps and conflict areas, including Idlib province.The UK is monitoring the situation closely and DFID is working with the UN and our humanitarian partners in Syria to ensure we are able to actively respond to the outbreak and sustain life-saving services during this pandemic.

Department for Work and Pensions

Sick Leave: Coronavirus

lord greaves: To ask Her Majesty's Government what advice they are giving to employers of people in insecure employment including (1) people on zero-hours contracts, (2) self-employed individuals working for organisations as if they were employees, and (3) people in similar precarious circumstances where it is not possible to claim statutory sickness benefit, in situations wherepeople are advised to self-isolate due to contracting COVID-19, experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or having been in contact with cases of COVID-19; and what advice theyare giving to peoplein such circumstances.

baroness stedman-scott: An error has been identified in the written answer given on 20 March 2020.The correct answer should have been:

As both the Prime Minister and Chancellor have made clear, the Government will do whatever it takes to support people affected by COVID 19 and we have been clear in our intention that no one should be penalised for doing the right thing. These are rapidly developing circumstances, we continue to keep the situation under review and will keep Parliament updated accordingly.

baroness stedman-scott: As both the Prime Minister and Chancellor have made clear, the Government will do whatever it takes to support people affected by COVID 19 and we have been clear in our intention that no one should be penalised for doing the right thing. These are rapidly developing circumstances, we continue to keep the situation under review and will keep Parliament updated accordingly.

Northern Ireland Office

Terrorism: Northern Ireland

baroness ritchie of downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Ministerial Statement byViscount Younger of Leckie on 18 March (HLWS163), whowill decide whether there is “new compelling evidence and a realistic prospect of a prosecution” in order for an outstanding Troubles-related death to be investigated.

viscount younger of leckie: We intend that a new independent body will be responsible for looking at and providing information relating to unresolved Troubles-related deaths. Where there is compelling new evidence which carries a realistic prospect of a conviction, cases will proceed to a full police investigation.

European Union: Northern Ireland

baroness ritchie of downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what proposals they have received from the European Union about establishing an office in Northern Ireland.

viscount younger of leckie: In February, UK Ministers considered an initial request from the European Union to establish an office in Northern Ireland and, on 27 April, responded to their further letter on this issue. Our position remains the same, that Article 12 of the Northern Ireland Protocol does not necessitate or place any requirement on the UK to facilitate an EU Delegation office in Belfast, or indeed any other permanent EU presence in Northern Ireland.

Coronavirus: Northern Ireland

baroness ritchie of downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Northern Ireland Executive about the development of an exit strategy from the COVID-19 lockdown.

viscount younger of leckie: The Northern Ireland Office Ministerial team and officials and are working closely with the First Minister, deputy First Minister and the rest of the Executive on the response to Covid-19, including on any easement of social distancing measures. The Government will continue to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive in facilitating strong coordination and collaboration to make sure that the most effective measures are put in place in all parts of the UK as this response continues. Northern Ireland Ministers also attend COBR calls on health, economy and general public services, and are thereby engaged in overall UK planning.

Stormont House Agreement

baroness ritchie of downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what further steps they intend to take implement the Stormont House Agreement of 2015.

viscount younger of leckie: In line with our commitment in New Decade, New Approach, we published a Written Ministerial Statement on 18 March setting out a framework for legislation to address the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland. The wider context in which we are currently working is very challenging and has unsurprisingly had an impact on our planned timetable, as the repercussions of dealing with the Covid-19 crisis have been extensively felt. However, we have begun the engagement process, as promised, and remain fully committed to making progress on this important issue.

Ports: Northern Ireland

baroness ritchie of downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans are in place to introduce legislation with regard to trade arrangements between ports in Northern Ireland and ports in Great Britain; and when they intend to implement those plans.

viscount younger of leckie: As committed to in the agreed New Decade, New Approach deal, this Government will legislate to guarantee unfettered access for Northern Ireland’s businesses to the whole of the UK internal market, and ensure that this legislation is in force for 1 January 2021. The Protocol makes clear that Northern Ireland is in, and remains part of, the UK’s customs territory. The Government is committed to implementing the Protocol on Northern Ireland and Ireland and doing so in a way that supports the interests of businesses and the public in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland Government

baroness ritchie of downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have received about their proposals for addressing Northern Ireland Legacy issues; and from whom.

viscount younger of leckie: The Written Ministerial Statement published on 18 March took account of the responses received to the Government’s consultation ‘Addressing the Legacy of Northern Ireland’s Past’. As set out in this statement, we have started engagement with a range of stakeholders on the legacy proposals, including victims’ groups, the NI parties and the Irish Government. The Government is committed to finding consensus on the detail of the proposals which allows us to move forward.